Books: Memoirs of General Lafayette

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When he passed through West Cambridge, the whole population of the town
were assembled to honor the friend and guest of the nation, and to gratify
their patriotic feelings by beholding this justly celebrated personage.
Artillery corps stationed on the eminences adjoining the public road
saluted him as he passed; and the country rung with loud huzzas and joyful
acclamations. At the line of Lexington, he was received by a troop of horse
and cavalcade of citizens, who conducted him into that ancient town. On his
way, he passed under an arch, bearing this inscription--"_Welcome, friend
of America, to the birth place of American liberty_." Salutes were again
fired, and he was then conducted to the monument erected in memory of the
attack of the British troops upon the militia of that place, April 19,
1775. He was here welcomed and addressed by one of the citizens in behalf
of the town. Near the monument, he was introduced to _fourteen_ of the
militia company, which had assembled at that time, and on whom the regular
troops fired, when eight of the number were slain.

After this very interesting scene, General Lafayette proceeded to Concord,
and was met at the line between that place and Lexington, by a committee of
the town and a respectable cavalcade of the intelligent yeomanry of the
vicinity; there was also an escort composed of several companies of
militia. The procession, thus formed, moved forward to the village, and the
distinguished visitor was conducted to a spacious bower prepared for his
reception, and tastefully decorated with evergreens and flowers by the
ladies of Concord. As he entered the village, he received a salute from the
artillery corps, and the vocal salutations of the inhabitants of both
sexes, who had assembled to present him their grateful offerings. The peals
of the village bell prolonged the acclamations of the admiring throng. The
following inscription was to be seen in a conspicuous place in the
arbor--"_In 1775, the people of Concord met the enemies of liberty; In
1824, they welcome the bold asserter of the rights of man, LAFAYETTE_." A
sumptuous repast was provided for the occasion; and the tables were covered
with all the delicacies the season and country could afford.

When General Lafayette had entered the arbor, one of the citizens addressed
him by the following speech:--

"The inhabitants of Concord, by this delegation, welcome you, General, to
their village. We thank you for affording us an opportunity here to offer
our humble tribute of gratitude for services long since rendered, but still
held in lively recollection. You, sir, now behold the _spot on which the
first forcible resistance_ was made to a system of measures calculated to
deprive the whole people of these States of the privileges of freemen. You
approved this resistance. A just estimate of the value of rational liberty
led you disinterestedly, to participate with strangers in the toils, the
privations, and the dangers of an arduous contest. From the 19th day of
April, 1775, here noted in blood, to the memorable day in Yorktown, your
heart and your sword were with us. Ten millions of grateful people now
enjoy the fruits of this struggle. We can but repeat to you, sir, the
cordial, affectionate, respectful welcome offered to you at your first
arrival on our shores, and which we are assured will be reiterated wherever
you move on American ground."

The General was, as usual, extremely happy in his reply, and alluded with
sensibility to the memorable scenes of April 19, 1775.

The ladies of Concord and vicinity were present at this civic and patriotic
repast; and it added much to the interest and splendour of the scene.
Coffee was served up, as a counter-part of the entertainment; and Lafayette
appeared to be highly pleased with the hearty reception which he met in
this hospitable town. Some revolutionary characters called upon him here,
who had not before seen him since he arrived; and were received with great
cordiality. He spoke of the gun which had been shown him in Boston, by an
inhabitant of Concord or vicinity, and which was first fired against the
ministerial troops of Britain. He said, "it was the alarm gun to all Europe
and to the world. For it was the signal, which summoned the civilized world
to assert their rights, and to become free."

The visit at Concord was necessarily short as he had engaged to pass the
night at Bolton, about twenty miles distant. He left Concord at sun-set;
and was escorted on his route to Bolton, by a company of cavalry and
several gentlemen of distinction belonging to that place and vicinity. He
was every where greeted by the people, who collected in companies at
various places, to offer him their hearty welcome. The houses on the road
were illuminated, and bonfires were kindled on the adjoining hills. The
militia of Bolton were assembled to receive him, though it was late in the
evening when he arrived. The selectmen offered him their salutations and
welcome in the name of the town. He passed the night at the hospitable
mansion of Mr. W----, where taste, variety and elegance contributed to
render his reception very distinguished. Mr. W---- had resided much in
France, and was particularly acquainted with Lafayette and family.
Committees from Lancaster and Worcester waited on him at Bolton, to learn
his plans and the probable hours of his being in those places, and to
communicate the desires of the people to present him their tribute of
affection and regard. He visited Lancaster early on Friday morning, where
all classes of the inhabitants were assembled to bid him welcome, and to
express the affectionate sentiments by which their glowing bosoms were
animated. A corps of cavalry still escorted him--a national salute was
fired--and the turnpike gate, at the entrance of the village, was
ornamented with garlands of flowers and evergreens, and displayed this
inscription, "_The_ FREE _welcome the_ BRAVE." He was conducted through
lines formed by the citizens of both sexes, to an elevated platform,
prepared in the centre of the village, and near the church; where he was
addressed by the Reverend Pastor--

"General LAFAYETTE,

"In behalf of the inhabitants of Lancaster, I offer you their cordial
congratulations on your arrival in a country, whose wrongs you felt and
resented; whose liberties you valiantly defended; and whose interests and
prospects have always been dear to your soul.

"We all unite with the few surviving veterans, who were with, loved, and
respected you on the high places of the field, in giving you a welcome to
this village, once the chosen residence of savages, and the scene of their
most boasted triumph; and rejoice that you visit it under the improvements
of civilized life, in prosperity and peace.

"It gladdens us, that we and our children may behold the man, whom we have
believed, and whom we have taught them to believe, was second only to his
and our friend, the immortal Washington. We participate in your joy, on
beholding our institutions in vigor, our population extended, so that,
since you left us, from a little one we have become millions, and from a
small band a strong nation; that you see our glory rising, our republic
placed on an immoveable basis, all of which are in part, under Providence,
to be ascribed to your sacrifices, dangers and toils.

"We wish you health and prosperity. We assure you that wherever you shall
go, you will be greeted by our fellow countrymen, as one of the chief
deliverers of America, and the friend of rational liberty, and of man. It
is especially our prayer, that on that day in which the acclamations and
applauses of dying men shall cease to reach or affect you, you may receive
from the Judge of character and Dispenser of imperishable honors, as the
reward of philanthropy and incorruptible integrity, a crown of glory which
shall never fade."

It is unnecessary to add, that this eloquent and pious greeting excited
strong emotions in the General, and had an impressive effect on the
assemblage who heard it.

The following is a report of General Lafayette's reply:--

"Accept my thanks, sir, for the kind welcome you have offered me in the
name of the inhabitants of Lancaster. In returning to this country after so
long an absence; in receiving such proofs of gratitude and affection
wherever I go; in witnessing the prosperity of this land,--a prosperity you
are pleased to say, I have been instrumental in promoting;--I feel emotions
for which no language is adequate. In meeting again my former friends, in
seeing the children and grand children of those who were my companions in
the war of the revolution, I feel a gratification which no words can
express. I beg you to accept, sir, and to offer to these people, my
grateful, my affectionate acknowledgments."

In passing through Sterling and Boylston, he was saluted by the artillery
companies in those respective towns, and hailed by the cordial salutations
of the people, who crowded from the neighbouring country to behold the man,
whom all delighted to honor. The whole population seemed to be in motion;
and both old and young were eager to offer him their personal greetings.
Several arches were thrown across the public road, at short notice; but
indicative of the grateful dispositions of the citizens. This motto was
observed on one of them--"_Welcome_ LAFAYETTE, _friend of_ WASHINGTON, _and
adopted son of America_."

His _entree_ and reception at Worcester was highly interesting. He remained
in this village several hours. The taste and wealth and patriotism of this
flourishing _shire_ town were unitedly and spontaneously put in requisition
to prepare due honors for the "nation's guest." The number and neatness of
the military, arches spacious and highly ornamented, extensive lines of the
citizens and of youth expressing their gratitude in frequent and loud
acclamations--all conspired to render the scene particularly brilliant.
Here, as in other places, the ladies were eager to manifest the high
estimation, in which they held the character of this eminent friend of
liberty and virtue. He was addressed with great eloquence and feeling, by
Judge Lincoln, in behalf of the citizens of the town and county of
Worcester.

"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,

"The citizens whom you see assembled around you, have spontaneously
thronged together, to offer you the tribute of their affection, their
respect, their gratitude.

"In the name of the inhabitants of Worcester, the _shire_ of an extensive
county of more than 75000 population, in behalf of all who are present, and
in anticipation of the commands of those, whom distance and want of
opportunity occasion to be absent from this joyous scene, I repeat to you
the salutations, which elsewhere have been so impressively offered upon
your arrival in this country, and your visit to this Commonwealth. Welcome,
most cordially welcome, to the presence of those who now greet you!

"Your name, sir, is not only associated with the memorable events of the
American revolution, with the battle of Brandywine, the retreat from Valley
Forge, the affair near Jamestown, and the triumph at Yorktown; but the
memorials of _your_ services and _our_ obligations exist, in the
Independence of the nation which was accomplished, in the government of the
people which is established, in the institutions and laws, the arts,
improvements, liberty and happiness which are enjoyed. The _sword_ was
beaten into the _ploughshare_, to cultivate the soil which its temper had
previously defended, and the hill-tops shall now echo to the sea shore the
gratulations of the independent proprietors of the land, to the common
benefactor of all ranks and classes of the people.

"Wherever you go, General, the acclamations of Freemen await you--their
blessings and prayers will follow you. May you live many years to enjoy the
fruits of the services and sacrifices, the gallantry and valor of your
earlier days, devoted to the cause of freedom and the rights of man; and
may the bright examples of individual glory and of national happiness,
which the history of America exhibits, illustrate to the world, the moral
force of _personal_ virtue, and the rich blessings of civil liberty in
republican governments."

The General, in reply, said in substance, "That he received with much
sensibility, the expressions of kind attention with which he was received
by the inhabitants of the town and county of Worcester; that he was
delighted with the fine country which he had seen, and the excellent
improvement and cultivation which he witnessed; that he saw the best proofs
of a great, prosperous and happy people, in the rapid advancement of the
polite and useful arts, and in the stability of our free institutions; that
he was especially much gratified in the great improvements of the face of
the country, because he was himself a farmer; that he felt happy to observe
such decided proofs of industry, sobriety and prosperity.--He begged the
citizens to be assured of his affectionate and grateful recollection of
their reception of him; he thanked them for all they had manifested towards
him, for the kind expressions; which had been offered him by the committee,
and, in a feeling impressive manner, reciprocated their good wishes."

Speaking to an individual of the attentions he had received, he observed.
"It is the homage the people pay to the _principles_ of the government,
rather than to myself."

The inhabitants of Sturbridge and other places through which General
Lafayette passed, on his way to Hartford, in Connecticut, assembled in
their respective towns, and presented him the ready homage of affectionate
and grateful hearts. Companies of artillery fired salutes; ladies and
gentlemen gathered round him to bid him welcome to America, and to express
their deep and lively sense of his past services; and many veterans of the
revolutionary army pressed upon him, without ceremony or introduction,
expecting, as they found, a friendly and cordial reception.

General Lafayette was received at Hartford, in Connecticut, where he
arrived on Saturday morning, with similar marks of affection and esteem to
those so cordially bestowed on him in the towns he had already visited. He
was expected by the citizens on Friday evening, and arrangements were made
for a general illumination. He was escorted into the city by the military,
and a large procession of the citizens received him soon after he entered
within its bounds, and conducted him to the State House, where he was
addressed by the Mayor of the city, who assured him of the affectionate
welcome, with which the people received him, and referred to the past
services of Lafayette, which were still highly appreciated. And he
expressed great happiness in beholding so many proofs of the prosperous
state of the country, and in witnessing the invaluable effects of our free
institutions. The greater part of the inhabitants of both sexes were
personally presented to him; and there was an assemblage of children of
about eight hundred, the misses all dressed in white, wearing badges with
the motto, "_Nous vous aimons_ LAFAYETTE." A gold medal was presented him
by one of the children, which was enclosed in a paper containing these
lines.

Welcome thou to freedom's clime,
Glorious Hero! Chief sublime!
Garlands bright for thee are wreath'd,
Vows of filial ardour breathed,
Veteran's cheeks with tears are wet,
"_Nous vous aimons_ LAFAYETTE."

Monmouth's field is rich with bloom,
Where thy warriors found their tomb.
Yorktown's heights resound no more,
Victor's shout or cannon's roar.
Yet our hearts record their debt,
"_We do love you_ LAFAYETTE."

Brandywine, whose current roll'd
Proud with blood of heroes bold,
That our country's debt shall tell,
That our gratitude shall swell,
Infant breasts thy wounds regret,
"_We do love you_ LAFAYETTE."

Sires, who sleep in glory's bed,
Sires, whose blood for us was shed,
Taught us, when our knee we bend,
With the prayer thy name to blend;
Shall we e'er such charge forget?
No!--"_Nous vous aimons_ LAFAYETTE."

When our blooming cheeks shall fade,
Pale with time, or sorrow's shade,
When our clustering tresses fair
Frosts of wintry age shall wear,
E'en till memory's sun be set,
"_We will love you_ LAFAYETTE."

In comparison with the population of Hartford, a greater portion of his
revolutionary companions were here presented to him than in any place he
had visited. The number was nearly one hundred. These marched before him,
in the procession, in a connected column and attended by their own music.
It is hardly necessary to say, that their beloved general gave them a most
cordial greeting. By one of the citizens, a sash and pair of epaulets were
produced, which were worn by Lafayette when he entered the American army.
The _sash was stained with blood_ from his wound received in the battle of
Brandywine. He left Hartford late in the afternoon, and proceeded to
Middletown, where he embarked in a steam boat for New-York. The citizens of
this place regretted, that he could not pass some time with them; and
receive the attentions, which their grateful feelings would induce them to
bestow on a zealous and able friend of American independence.

HIS RETURN TO NEW-YORK.

General Lafayette reached New-York on the following day, about noon; and
was conducted to the City Hotel by the committee of arrangements, who were
in waiting to receive him, when he arrived at the wharf. Multitudes
assembled, who greeted his return, and renewed their joyful acclamations on
meeting him again as a guest of their city. On Monday, the Cincinnati of
the State of New-York gave a public dinner, in honor of "their old
companion in arms," at which were also present several other persons of
distinction, and the members of the City Council. This was the anniversary
of the birth of Lafayette; and the circumstance increased the interesting
associations of the interview. The hall of meeting was richly decorated
with appropriate emblems, and portraits of some of the heroes of the
revolution, and bearing the hallowed name of Washington. In the toasts
given on this occasion, were illusions to the important events which
occurred in the war of the revolution, and to many of the distinguished
characters, who conducted it to a successful issue--Washington, Greene,
Lincoln, Steuben, Knox, Gates, Clinton, Kosciusco, De Kalb, Hamilton and
others.

The first volunteer toast was by the President of the Society, and was,
"_Our distinguished guest_;" when a transparent painting was suddenly
illuminated and unveiled, and displayed a "WELCOME;" and over the head of
Lafayette a beautiful wreath of flowers was suspended. He rose and
said,--"with inexpressible delight at our brotherly meeting, with my
affection to you all, my very dear friends and companions in arms, I
propose the following sentiment; The sacred principles for which we have
fought and bled--_Liberty, equality and national independence_; may every
nation of the earth in adopting them, drink a _bumper_ to the old
continental army." [Footnote: Some of the toasts given by General Lafayette
on other occasions are here recorded, as they are indicative of the
opinions and sentiments which probably predominate in his mind. At the
public dinner in Boston, on the day of his arrival--"The city of Boston,
the cradle of liberty; may its proud Faneuil Hall ever stand a monument to
teach the world that resistance to oppression is a duty, and will, under
true republican institutions, become a blessing." In the College Hall at
the dinner of the Society of _Phi Beta Kappa_--"_The Holy Alliance_ of
virtue, literature and patriotism: It will prove too powerful for any
_coalition_ against the rights of man." At the military dinner on the
Common in Boston, when the brilliant parade took place before
mentioned--"The patriotic troops who have paraded this day, they excite the
admiration of every beholder, and fill the heart with delight." At the
dinner given by the citizens of Salem--"The town of Salem: may her
increasing prosperity more and more evince the blessings of popular
institutions, founded on the sacred basis of natural and social rights."
And at Portsmouth, he gave that town, and added, "may the blessings of
republican institutions furnish a refutation of the mistaken and selfish
sophistry of European despotism."]

On the next day, he visited the public Schools, the College, the Hospital,
and Academy of Fine Arts; and on Wednesday, embarked in a steamboat to view
the fortifications in the harbor of New-York. In the evening following, he
attended the theatre, and was received with universal and repeated
acclamations. Many eminent persons from distant parts of the United States
visited New-York, at this time, for the sole object of meeting the
celebrated friend of America. Among these were Mrs. Lewis, a niece of
General Washington; and Mr. Huger of South-Carolina, the brave and generous
youth, who attempted the liberation of Lafayette from the dungeon of
Olmutz, at the imminent hazard of his own life; and who suffered a long and
severe imprisonment for his disinterested interference. He also visited the
widowed ladies of Generals Montgomery and Hamilton. Of the latter general,
he was the personal and ardent friend.

A public dinner was given to Lafayette by the French gentlemen resident in
New-York; many of whom were among the constitutionalists in France in 1783;
and who manifested equal respect and veneration for this distinguished
confessor of regulated liberty, as the citizens of America. Several of the
Aldermen of the city also gave splendid entertainments to the guest of the
nation, who could justly claim to have acted an important part in the
establishment of our freedom and independence.

He consented to attend the examination of several of the free schools--and
appeared highly gratified by the evidence given of the improvement of the
pupils. At one of the schools, consisting of 400 misses, after the
examination, the following lines were chanted by the pupils:

Welcome, Hero, to the West,
To the land thy sword hath blest!
To the country of the _Free_,
Welcome, _Friend of Liberty_!

Grateful millions guard thy fame,
Age and youth revere thy name,
Beauty twines the wreath for thee,
Glorious _Son of Liberty_!

Tears shall speak a nation's love,
Whereso'er thy footsteps move,
By the choral _paean_ met--
Welcome, welcome, Lafayette!

The _African_ free school was not overlooked. While on his visit here, one
of the trustees announced, that General Lafayette had been elected a member
of the Manumission Society of New-York. The truly venerable John Jay is
President of this benevolent association. One of the children stepped
forward, and expressed their sense of the honor of the visit, and of their
satisfaction in reflecting, that he was friendly to the abolition of
slavery.

But the most splendid scene exhibited in this proud city, was the _fete_ at
Castle-garden. This was an evening party and ball, at which _six thousand_
ladies and gentlemen were present. It was the most brilliant and
magnificent scene ever witnessed in the United States. Castle-garden lies
at a very short distance from Battery-street, which is a spacious and
elegant promenade, on the south westerly part of the city. It was formerly
a fort, and is about one hundred and seventy feet in diameter, of a
circular or elliptical form. It has lately become a place of great resort
in the warm season of the year. Everything which labor and expence, art and
taste could effect was done to render it convenient, showy and elegant. An
awning covered the whole area of the garden suspended at an altitude of
seventy-five feet; the columns which supported the dome were highly
ornamented, and lighted by an _immense_ cut glass chandelier, with thirteen
smaller ones appended.

The General, made his appearance about 10 o'clock; when the dance and the
song was at an end. The military band struck up a grand march, and the
Guest was conducted through a column of ladies and gentlemen to a splendid
pavilion. Not a word was spoken of gratulation--so profound, and
respectful, and intellectual was the interest which his presence excited.
The interior of the pavilion which was composed of white cambric,
ornamented with sky blue festoons, was richly furnished. Among other
interesting objects was a bust of Hamilton, placed upon a Corinthian pillar
and illuminated with a beautiful lamp. In front of the pavilion was a
triumphal arch, of about 90 feet span adorned with laurel, oak, and
festoons, based upon pillars of cannon fifteen feet high.--A bust of
Washington, supported by a golden eagle, was placed over the arch as the
presiding deity. Within the arch was a symbolic painting nearly 25 feet
square, exhibiting a scroll inscribed to Fayette, with the words:--

"_Honored be the faithful Patriot_."

Soon after the General entered, the painting just alluded to was slowly
raised, which exhibited to the audience a beautiful transparency,
representing La Grange, the mansion of Lafayette. The effect was as
complete as the view was unexpected and imposing. Another subdued clap of
admiration followed this tasteful and appropriate and highly interesting
display.

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